Anti-Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Policy
Key principles
2.1 The Council has reviewed its arrangements in line with the Fighting Fraud and Corruption Locally Strategy (2020) - the Local Government blueprint for tackling fraud in Local Government. The strategy outlines its 5 pillars for effective fraud management, as below:
| Pillar 1 Govern | Pillar 2 Acknowledge | Pillar 3 Prevent | Pillar 4 Pursue | Pillar 5 Protect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Having robust arrangements embedded throughout the organisation | Acknowledging and understanding fraud risks | Preventing and detecting more fraud | Being stronger in punishing fraud/ recovering losses | Protecting itself and its residents |
Having robust arrangements and executive support to ensure anti-fraud, bribery and corruption measures are embedded throughout the organisation. Having a holistic approach to tackling fraud is part of good governance. | Assessing and understanding fraud risks. Committing support and resource to tackling fraud. Maintaining a robust anti-fraud response. | Making better use of information and technology. Enhancing fraud controls and processes. Developing a more effective anti-fraud culture. | Prioritising fraud recovery and the use of civil sanctions. Developing capability and capacity to punish fraudsters. Collaborating with law enforcement. | Recognising the harm that fraud can cause in the community. Protecting itself and its residents from fraud. |
2.2 The council will not tolerate fraud, bribery or corruption and if proven employees will face possible dismissal and/or prosecution.
2.3 The council expects that Members and officers at all levels will lead by example to ensure high standards of propriety, integrity and accountability and operate within relevant Codes of Conduct.
2.4 The council will endeavour to raise fraud awareness among employees both at induction and periodically throughout their employment.
2.5 The council expects Members and Senior Officers to emphasise the importance of anti-fraud work and to actively promote and support the fight against fraud.
2.6 The council expects individuals and organisations with whom it comes into contact with to act with integrity towards the council.
2.7 The council understands the fraud risks it faces and will implement policies and procedures to identify and prevent fraud, bribery and corruption, but will also take all action necessary to investigate and identify it.
2.8 The council will take appropriate action against those responsible for fraud and where possible recover losses incurred (see Recovery of Losses section).
2.9 Members of the public are asked to contribute to the council's fight against fraud by remaining vigilant to the potential for fraud and reporting it where they suspect the council is being targeted. Employees and Members have a duty to do so, and concerns should be raised when it is reasonably believed that one or more of the following has occurred, is occurring or is likely to occur:
- a criminal offence
- a failure to comply with a statutory or legal obligation
- improper or unauthorised use of public or other official funds, or assets
2.10 The investigation of alleged fraud will be fair, independent and objective. Officers will be mindful of the Equality Act 2010 and will not let their political or personal views regarding suspects, victims or witnesses unduly influence their decisions. Officers will not be affected by improper or undue pressure from any source.
2.11 Wiltshire Council will endeavour not to facilitate fraud against other bodies. If through its operation or investigation work, it identifies possible fraud against another organisation, it will report this to the 'appropriate body'.
2.12 Senior Officers will work with service areas to help raise awareness of fraud risk and scams that affect the public relative to the service area.
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